Mid-century Modern House as Large Scale Structure, Washington, D.C., by Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, with Prill Construction, contractor. The project entailed renovating a mid-century Modern house, originally designed by noted D.C. architect Clothiel Woodard Smith in the 1950s. The architects thoroughly updated the house, while its scale and character—including a unique parking place—were respected. Most of the renovation focused on the interior. The architects opened up the main living space by raising the ceiling and replacing solid walls with glass. The team also installed a large deck and infinity pool just beyond the main living area, to extend space and the views out the back. The architects also enlarged and better defined the previous hidden entry. “We love the carport” is a phrase you don’t expect to hear from the jurors in an architecture competition. In their comments, though, the jurors made it clear they greatly admired the highly visible, linear structure in the front of this house that presents itself as a large scale structure. Photo © Hoachlander Davis Photography.
